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Here on Aruba, we have become a destination of choice—often a repeat destination—for LGBT travelers.
Feeling safe, secure, and welcome is the foundation to an ideal LGBT-friendly travel destination. Frequent Aruba visitor Michael Marsh, the president/CEO of Toledo Fair Housing Center in Ohio, doesn’t necessarily seek out destinations with dedicated infrastructure for the LGBT community. “I have been traveling to Aruba for almost 20 years now—it is the perfect destination for anyone who is looking for a relaxing getaway.” Michael credits the warm hospitality and the innate friendly nature of the locals for creating a welcoming environment for all travelers. “I don't recall ever encountering any kind of mistreatment or discrimination based on sexual orientation in all of my visits to the island,” he shares. Michael ponders that perhaps it’s partly because of the tolerant and open-minded nature that has evolved from the Dutch influence on the island that has set the tone for a nation that welcomes all walks of life.
“The most important highlight about Aruba is that it is welcoming to all people and offers something for all types of interests--beach and water sports, excursions to unsettled areas of the island, a culture that embraces art and music, world-class shopping and dining, gambling, and nightlife.” Michael adds that “Aruba offers world-class accommodations through stellar hospitality brands, as well as retail luxury brands available on the island, like Cartier, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. The restaurants are also enticing—offering topnotch fine dining, trendy cafés, and cool local eateries.”
Michael concludes, “Personally, I don't look for LGBT destinations in particular. I just like to visit places that have the types of things I enjoy, like good restaurants, five-star accommodations, beaches, and shopping. Overall, though, it all comes back to the people of Aruba—their warmth is matched only by the tropical sunshine!”
Aruba’s moniker is “one happy island” — and the Caribbean island more than lives up to that name.
Aruba encourages everyone to create lifelong memories, and the One happy island prides itself on welcoming all races, religions, and diverse lifestyles.
Aruba's a great destination for LGBT vacations because of the Aruban people's cosmopolitan worldview; which is somewhat unique among the Caribbean islands. This can be traced to the Dutch roots that are prominent in Aruba. In fact, the Netherlands was the first country to legalize gay marriage in 2001!
The Aruban people's progressive mindset makes it entirely safe for our LGBT guests to not only walk around Aruba hand-in-hand but also to truly enjoy their well-earned vacations entirely worry-free.
Many hotels in Aruba are Travel Alternative’s Group (TAG) approved as well, meaning that their staff is well-trained in accepting diversity and that these resorts even employ members of the LGBT community.
And Aruba's beach-front resorts truly do provide an environment that is unmatched by any other Caribbean island. Just as same-sex wedding ceremonies have gained popularity in Aruba, gay nightlife in Aruba is growing as well. In fact, gay bars and clubs can be found throughout the capital city of Oranjestad.
So what are you waiting for? Plan a vacation to Aruba and experience the warm vibes and cool trade winds of the One happy island for yourself!
From traditional Dutch to Asian, African, and Spanish, dining options are as diverse and welcoming as our people.
ExploreWe’re just getting started with the amazing effects Aruba has to offer. Dig into your trip details below to unlock a Caribbean experience that will fill you with sunshine and send you home with a happy afterglow that never fades.
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